The Session of First Presbyterian Church held its stated monthly meeting on Monday, October 12th.
The clerk shared two Communications:
1. Thank you letter from Camp Hopewell for gift of $4,400.
2. Packet with Proposed Docket for Fall Stated Meeting of Presbytery
of St. Andrew.
The session approved the baptism of Smith Mozelle Spragins, daughter of Angela Smith Spragins and Hal Scot “Hank” Spragins, Jr. Date is to be determined.
Ministry Team Check-in
1. Finance – Financial reports were shared with the Session
members electronically. The Ministry team has met and discussed:
· Year to date analysis report
· Staffing expenses and payroll for support staff
· The deposit made for the Motreat trip 2020 trip will be used
for 2021.
· The sub-committee for Stewardship campaign discussed
expectations for the upcoming season.
· Potential purchase of a new sound system soon.
2. Property – Elder Hayden Alexander reported that the condition
of the maple tree in the courtyard is still being evaluated. Elder
John Abernathy reported that there has been action taken
regarding the exterior security lighting. Painting needs and middle
rail for the front steps are being considered as well as some minor
brick repair.
3. Adult Faith Formation – Elder Ann DeVoe said that the
ministry team has met to consider options for Advent
programming.
4. Children & Youth Faith Formation – Elder Carmille Hovious
reported that Sunday school attendance in an online format are
picking up each Sunday. JAM events during the month of
September were successful. Hopewell Halloween with take place
October 30th. Whitney Bolen has volunteered to help with the
children’s Christmas program, possible in the form of a nativity
scene. PYF will begin October 11th. Christmas trees will be
delivered Monday, November 23rd. There will be an opening event
on Sunday, November 30th. Robert Hall has agreed to manage the
tree lot.
5. Membership & Hospitality – Elder Kevin Christian reported
that the ministry team is helping with Hopewell Halloween.
Members are invited to attend. A video tutorial is being discussed
to help members sign up for the online directory. They will work
with members of the diaconate to reach out to members who are
still staying at home with virus concerns. This would take the form
of cards, letters and possibly errand running.
6. Mission – Elder Ashley Callery reported that FPC staffed a MTaM
night this past month. Elder Greg Patton reported that they will
publish a mission highlight in the newsletter to familiarize members
with the mission groups that FPC supports. Lovepacks will be
putting together Thanksgiving meals along with Oxford Police and
Firemen. Donations will be accepted in November at the fire
stations.
7. Personnel – No report
8. Worship – Elder Ann DeVoe reported that online devotionals are
continuing through November 1st, then will move toward Advent
devotionals. There will be record keeping of in-person attendance
as well as online participation and viewing.
9. Deacon’s report – Reverend David Randolph will be overseeing
the deacons going forward. There will be some focus and
restructuring efforts in conjunction with the deacons.
Old Business
1. Audiovisual System bidding – two bids have been submitted
to FPC with extensive cost detail and options. Reverend David
Randolph stated that the timing is an issue with the bid from
Academic Technology due to current work demands. Bradley
Goodwiller has agreed to oversee some of aspects of the bidding
process.
2. Services of Worship/Covid Task Force discussion –
Reverend Barrett Milner stated that the first two Sundays of in
person worship have gone well. The services will continue in
compliance with the current recommendations and processes put
forth by the task force. Sign up for in person worship comes out
Wednesday afternoons. Capacity of 50 worshipers was calculated
from sanctuary physical space and social distancing
recommendations. The task force will continue to look at the
numbers based on current guidelines. The options for nursery care
were discussed and will be evaluated by the task force.
New Business
1. Barrett Milner stated that he is evaluating information from past
surveys and session meetings to begin to prepare for a long range
or strategic planning process in which the session, diaconate and
members will participate.
2. The stewardship committee has met and laid out plans for
stewardship season. The theme of the season is “Seeds of
Hope.” “Moments of Hope” will be the times during worship that
are dedicated to stewardship.
3. Two acting elders, Kevin Christian and Pete Boone were nominated
to attend the Fall Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of St. Andrew,
October 13 by Zoom electronic meeting.
4. Elders Ashley Callery and Greg Patton were nominated to serve on
the Nomination Committee as the two elder representatives on the
2020-2021 Nomination Committee for the Election of Elders and
Deacons.
5. Two congregational meetings were approved:
1. Congregational Meeting, Sunday, November 1 to elect the
Nominating Committee.
2. Congregational Meeting, Sunday, November 22 for the purpose
of electing new deacons and elders
Next stated session meeting will be November 9th at 5:30pm.
